FG Approves ₦24.6 Billion for Abuja National Stadium Overhaul
The Federal Government has sanctioned a fresh redevelopment of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, earmarking ₦24.6 billion to upgrade sports infrastructure and drive economic growth and youth empowerment.
This initiative follows a previous facelift carried out between 2020 and 2022 under the Ministry of Sports’ Adopt‑a‑Pitch programme, which was financed by billionaire Aliko Dangote.
Details released by the commission indicate that the project will rehabilitate dressing rooms, the media centre, VIP and corporate suites, public‑address systems, security infrastructure, cooling and heating facilities, and restore the stadium’s roof membrane.
The ₦24.6 billion allocation was already set aside in the 2026 budget for broader structural rehabilitation of the facility through the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, said the redevelopment aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of using sport as a catalyst for youth empowerment, economic expansion and infrastructure development.
Dikko added that the upgraded venue will not only enhance sporting facilities but also improve Nigeria’s capacity to host major international competitions.
As part of the upgrade, a High Performance Centre will be established within the stadium complex.
The existing 200‑bed athletes’ hostel will be converted into a hotel‑style facility, the swimming pool will be rehabilitated, and two additional training pitches will be constructed.
Further works include the installation of international‑standard floodlights, electronic advertising boards and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, alongside anti‑doping laboratories and upgraded sports medical facilities to meet global standards.
Director‑General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, described the initiative as a comprehensive sports ecosystem designed to strengthen talent discovery and development nationwide.
He noted that the project is expected to create jobs, improve athlete development pathways and boost Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global sports stage.
In addition to the Abuja stadium redevelopment, the Federal Government has approved the construction of 20 mini sports centres across the country to promote grassroots participation, increase youth involvement in sport and provide more opportunities for talent identification at the community level.
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